MYFIRESIDE

Abstract

A fire pit is disclosed that has openings in its side walls which are covered by replaceable panels that contain decorative designs and phrases and which are made visible when there is a fire or other source of radiant energy in the pit. The designs and phrases provide a view of the radiation which may be provided by combustion taking place in the pit. A metal screen mesh can be fastened to the openings to prevent the escape of embers when the radiation source is combustion.

Claims

1. In a container for combustibles having vertical walls; At least one opening in said walls for viewing the combustibles and At least one decorative panel including design patterns which are visible when combustion is occurring, said panel being adapted to be mounted over said opening.

2. The container of claim 1 further including a mesh panel adapted to be mounted adjacent said opening.

3. The container of claim 1 having at least two sidewall openings and at least two decorative panels, each adapted to be mounted over an opening.

4. The container of claim 1 having at least three sidewall openings and at least three decorative panels, each adapted to be mounted over an opening.

5. A container for combustibles comprising: a. A base member, b. a cylindrical side wall having at least one window opening in said side wall through which radiant energy can be viewed; c. a metallic screen mesh adjacent said window opening to reduce the hazard of escaping embers during combustion; and d. at least one decorative panel adapted to cover each said window opening, said decorative panel including graphic designs and alpha numeric phrases cut through said panel so that a radiation source in the container can be viewed through said designs and phrases.

6. The container of claim 5 having at least two window openings and two decorative panels.

7. The container of claim 5 having at least three window openings and three decorative panels.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fire pit according to the present invention; and

[0010] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the fire pit of FIG. 1.

[0011] Turning first to FIG. 1, there is shown, in perspective view, a first embodiment of a fire pit 10 according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the fire pit 10 is cylindrical and rests on supporting legs 12. A top cover 14 is provided to help prevent the escape of embers from a fire. The fire pit 10 has side walls 16 with window openings (best seen in FIG. 2) onto which are fitted decorative panels 18 which include decorative designs 20 which are openings in the panel 18 through which a fire can be viewed.

[0012] As shown, some designs 20 are representational such as the flag pattern 22 and others may be slogans or other alphanumeric designs, as the catch phrases 24. The panels are attached to the window openings by various means, here a keyhole slot 26 in the panel 18 which fits over the head of a bolt 28

[0013] Turning next to FIG. 2, there is shown, in exploded perspective, the fire pit 10 of FIG. 1. With the panels 18 removed, the windows 30 in the side walls 16 can easily be seen. For safety reasons, it has been deemed as desirable to have a metal mesh screen 32 in each window 30. The keyhole opening 26 and bolt heads 28 are also more clearly shown. A bottom plate 34 is provided to hold whatever combustibles will be used and to retain any ash or other residue when combustion is complete.

[0014] Others skilled in the art may devise other shapes of the fire pit and other decorative designs and patterns which can be illuminated by a fire in the pit or, in moderate weather, some illumination source other than fire. Accordingly, the scope of the invention need only be limited by the scope of the claims appended hereto.